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enjoyed our stay at the Grand California. the place is beautiful and the service is impressive, from check in to bell service to valet. the only problem was after 12 hours or so in either disneyland or California Land, we were just to tired to really enjoy the total ambious of the Grand Californian lobby and fire. room was comfortable with flat screen tv with a good choice of channels. we had adjoining rooms so our grandsons had fun running back and forth between the rooms. loved the double sink vanity outside the bath, toilet area, made getting ready easy. the grand Californian is a nice place to stay, convenient to the two parks and downtown disney but it is pricey.

Room Tip: upgraded to a deluxe view room with a partial view of california land. the monarail run below our r...

It's really pretty. Love the lobby. We have been annual pass holders at DL for several seasons, and have loved Disneyland for much longer. From when this hotel was built, we would use the lobby as a place to hang out and relax between riding the rides and shopping with the throngs of people in the parks, but we never had an opportunity to stay here. Over a year ago, we joined friends for a trip to the park - they stayed at GCH and we stayed at a nearby hotel. It was fun, but we kicked ourselves when we saw how convenient it was for them to just go to DCA or Downtown Disney and hop back to their room when needed.

This time around we decided to take the plunge and stay here. We booked a partial view room and requested a queen + bunk bed room for us and our 3yo. When we arrived we were upgraded to a view room with a bunk bed. It was a great first impression. We were on the 4th floor, overlooking the entrance to DCA (below and to the left of our balcony) and could see space mountain in DL (to the left), Condor Flats (below to the left) and the grizzly bear rock in DCA (straight ahead). We could also see a bit of Cars Land (off to the distant right). Our son was totally excited, which made it pretty perfect.

The room was as others have mentioned, not super big. In fact, it was on the smaller side (smaller than a standard room at the Courtyard Marriott). If you are a family of 4 with smallish children, I would highly suggest booking early and requesting a bunk bed room (and then checking in from time to time before you go to see if they can confirm it). Having the bunk bed meant there was more room to move around between our bed and the bunk. Our son ran around in the space between the beds, plus we brought a sleeping tent for him (they are pretty great by the way - kidco brand) and set it up on the floor for him to keep his toys in and play in while we were here. Other than the smaller size, my criticisms would have to be with the bathroom. The vanity with double sinks was very useful for getting ready and getting out to the parks asap in the morning, but the shower/bath area was a bit tired and in need of updating. OMGosh, the shower pressure was NON-existent, but we had plenty of hot water. We had no issues with our room getting serviced: great turndown service and towels replaced as requested. Our son would get so excited to see what coins would be there when we came back each night (we didn't tell them they were chocolate).

As expected, our time getting to the parks each day was greatly reduced. We subtracted: getting in the car, driving to the Mickey and Friends parking structure, parking, walking to the tram, waiting for the tram, getting our stroller on the tram, the short tram ride, getting everything/one off the tram. All we were left with was getting downstairs, walking to the park (super short walk if going to DCA) and waiting to get in the park (also short wait if going to DCA). That's all good, but perhaps an even bigger advantage, is the ability to be able to easily go back to your room with your park weary 3yo in order to take a break in the middle of the day. To me, that was where this experience really made the $$$ involved worth it. We stayed 4 nights and took at least one break each day we visited the parks.

If there is a disadvantage to staying here, it could be that you are stuck eating mainly Disney food (overpriced, mostly just decent). We usually go to Storytellers because of the convenience, and because our son has liked it the last few times, but we didn't go this time. This time we took the plunge and got reservations at Napa Rose. Many of you may be thinking, "what did they do with their 3yo?" Well, we took him. I was wondering if it might be a mistake, but everything was great. It was the best meal of our visit, and it was all the more awesome because we were able to share it with our son. Yes, it's uber pricey, but the food and service was exceptional. They catered to our son as much as to us, he had a blast and we had a great meal. We also went to the new Carthay Circle restaurant in DCA. I was more underwhelmed with that experience. Great drinks, but the food was just on the good side of decent. Service was also just decent, and our server only, obviously, turned on the charm near the end of our meal. If you go, just hang downstairs for drinks and appetizers in the lounge and forget the upstairs dining room.

Overall, if you're questioning whether or not it's worth the money for the convenience, I say do it. Maybe check ahead if there are any planned fire alarms, plumbing maintenance/updates, construction projects, carpet cleaning, or anything that may impair the enjoyment of your GCH experience. Also, check the Disney site for ride maintenance dates for your fave rides (Indiana Jones was not operating during our stay and I was a little sad) if that's a deal breaker. If there are no other impediments, I think you'll be very happy.

If you are so inclined, there is also a service that will make gift baskets and deliver them to your room. They are pricey, but I chose to do this (this one time) as a nice way to celebrate staying at the GCH and celebrating our visit to the parks. You can contact Disney Vacation Planning at vacationplanning@disneyonline.com or (714) 781-4438 to get info on their offerings and pricing. They generally need 48 hours advance notice. I got a chocolate lovers basket and coffee lovers basket combined and it came with a small Mickey plush that my son played with the whole time we were there.

Room Tip: The rooms on the east wing (over Napa Rose and the DCA entrance from the hotel) that face into DCA h...

This place is fabulous!! It's a little upscale & totally overpriced. But not in comparison to other hotels in the area. We actually moved to this hotel from another one that just was not up to par and no where near the caliber of the Grand - yet it was over half the price per night - and was basically one step up from a motel. The Grand is a Luxury Hotel and has it's own entrance in to the California Adventure Park. This saves a huge amount of time and hassle which for me with two young boys is totally worth the the extra price. I can't afford to stay there every time i visit Disneyland, which is 2or 3 times a year, but every once in a while you just gotta pay the big bucks for the convenience . However they totally dropped the ball at the end of our trip. We had extended our stay a few days and went back and forth with the front desk on a Sat. or Sun. departure depending a the flight I could get, which I was told was no problem, but when we couldn't get a flight out until Sun they said the hotel was completely booked & we couldn't stay 1 more night. We had been there 5 nights, which is very pricey, they should have done more to extend us 1 more night. We had to go to another hotel for our last night. And they didn't even offer to help us move. So I guess it's possible to over stay your welcome there.....

Room Tip: The rooms by the Napa Rose elevators are much closer to the entrance to Ca. Ad. park

Hotel is lovely, the service was splendid, lobby is stunning. The room was comfortable but nothing exceptional for the price. Loved the bath products, but have had them at a 2 star motel before (I still love the Spa H2O brand). However, no matter the time of day or the amount of adjusting attempted the shower would run hot & cold alternately & never would stay at the set temperature...not so comfy after a long day running through the parks! Could hear holiday music being played outdoors late into the night through the closed sliding glass door. The location can't be beat--walk right into California Adventure or Downtown Disney. Took the architectural tour of the hotel which was excellent & really made all the details & hidden Mickeys even more special. Overall very nice, with a few disappointing details.

Stayed November 2012, traveled with family

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As usual our stay at Disney property didn't disappoint us at all, although a little annoyed by the delay in getting into the room, checkin was supposed to be 4pm but were told not to go back until 4.30 pm. Stayed in a one-bedroom villa overlooking Disney Californian Adventure Park. All furniture and fittings superb, kitchen facilities, large shower cubicle, jetted bath tub. The pool area is very nice and the lobby of the hotel stunning. Easy access to both parks, Downtown Disney and the outer perimeter of the hotel. Realise what a bonus being DVC members really is when you have access to such beautiful properties.

Stayed October 2012, traveled as a couple

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This was our first and last trip to the Grand Californian. If you want to pay top dollar for proximity to the park, this is the place for you, location, location, location was what we paid for. My family decided to stay here because it was my husband's birthday, there was NO mention of the celebration by the "cast members". I requested a room with a view of the park, which didn't happen. The water pressure in the shower was horrible. I'm sorry but when I'm paying top dollar for a hotel room, I want better water pressure. The toilet flush was so loud!! It scared my son each time.We've stayed at the other Disney hotels and we return again to Disneyland Hotel but not to the Grand Californian.

Room Tip: Ask for a higher room. Bring your own food for breakfast. The rooms have a good size refridgerator.

This hotel is beautiful. The lobby is stunning. The rooms very comfortable. We were amazed at how sound proof the sliding glass door was despite the fact that California Adventure park was just outside--with the door closed you'd have never guessed that there was a theme park just a few feet away! The location can't be beat--walk right into California Adventure or Downtown Disney. My family would stay here again in a heartbeat.

This stunning hotel offers premium accommodations and rich dining experiences in American Craftsman style and elegance. With its world-class spa, an impressive array of amenities and impeccable Disney service, Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa defines grandeur in every way. Located in the heart of Downtown Disney District, this hotel is just steps away from exceptional dining and entertainment. And with your park ticket, enjoy an exclusive entrance to Disney California Adventure Park....more less

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Also Known As:

Grand Californian Hotel

Grand California Hotel

Disney California Hotel

Disneys Grand Californian Hotel

Disney Grand California Hotel

Disney Grand Californian Hotel

Disneyland Grand Californian Hotel

Disneys Anaheim

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